Olympic Milestones

Philosophy

"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."

The Olympic Movement is a philosophy created and promoted by the International Olympic Committee. This philosophy advocates using sport not just as a physical activity but also as a means of educating people.

According to this philosophy, the good sportsmanship, sense of fair play, and respect for fellow athletes that is developed through participation in sports teaches men and women of different races, religions, and nationalities to work peacefully together in competition toward common goals. The Olympic Movement works to expand such lessons beyond the sports arena in the hope of promoting peace and a sense of brotherhood throughout the world.

The most prominent way the IOC promotes the Olympic Movement is through the Olympic Games. But the Movement's ideals are practiced in other ways, including the promotion of environmental issues, fighting drug use among athletes, and providing financial and educational aid.

The tenets of the Olympic philosophy are illustrated in various aspects of the Games including the Olympic creed, motto, athletes' oath and symbol.

The Olympic Creed & Motto

The Olympic creed is the guiding principle of the modern Olympic Games. The creed, a quotation from Baron de Coubertin, states: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." The Olympic motto, introduced in 1924, consists of the Latin words Citius, Altius, Fortius , meaning "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." The motto and the creed are meant to encourage the athletes to embrace the spirit of the Olympics and to perform to the best of their abilities.

The Athletes' Oath

At the opening ceremonies, an athlete from the host country takes the following oath on behalf of every athletes at the Games: "In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams."

The Olympic Symbol

The official symbol of the Olympics is five colored rings linked together. These rings represent the continents of North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The Olympic symbol reinforces that the Olympics are an international event and that all countries of the world are invited to join. Additionally, the rings symbolize the uniting of athletes from all over the world to compete at the Olympic Games.

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